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many more are digging themselves out of this April winter storm. Just when we thought spring was here and winter was behind us, Mother Nature had another plan.  I, along with Bryon and the kids, continue to pray for the families, communities and businesses affected by this storm.
• We should also take the opportunity to thank the public safety telecommunicators who have worked tirelessly to answer phone calls from residents without power or from drivers surrounded by broken trees and downed power lines. April 14^th - 20^th is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and a great opportunity to thank our area dispatchers.
• Their rapid response allows South Dakotans to receive the prompt care and protection they need in life's most difficult moments. These local police, fire and medical professionals are often the "unseen" first responders who are able to quickly grasp the severity of a particular situation and accurately relay that information through the proper channels.
• South Dakotans have demonstrated time and time again that we are a resilient people. From the 1972 flood, to the Spencer tornado in 1998, or the Missouri River flood in 2011, we rally together and lend a helping hand.
• While there is no doubt that the cleanup and recovery process has only just begun across the state following this latest winter storm, I continue to be amazed by the way South Dakota communities rally together to care for one another and to assist those in need. I hope you'll reach out to one of my offices if there's any way I can be of assistance to you, your family or your business.